Iceland's Blue Lagoon spa closes again after latest volcanic eruption
Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon spa has been forced to temporarily close its doors again owing to new volcanic activity.
The latest eruption along Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, which started on Thursday (22 August), has forced the attraction to pause operations as a precaution.
The attraction has faced a series of closures in the past few months due to volcanic activity in southwest Iceland.
“We took the precautionary measure of evacuating and temporarily closing all our operational units," said the spa in a statement posted to its website. "Blue Lagoon will be closed tomorrow, Friday 23 August, at which time the situation will be reassessed."
Icelandic authorities have declared a state of emergency following the latest eruption from the volcano near the abandoned town of Grindavik. It has now erupted six times since December.
Images and comments posted to social media suggest residents in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik could see plumes of lava rising from the volcano around 50 kilometres away.
Iceland‘s Ministry for Foreign Affairs said: “The impact is limited to a localised area near the eruption site. It does not present a threat to life and the area nearby was evacuated.”
In an update to its travel advice for Iceland, the Foreign Office said: “Recently there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland, the latest on 22 August.
"These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it. Icelandic authorities advise you stay away from this area. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed.
"It is likely there will be further eruptions in this location. Monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities’ advice on travel to the area. Keflavik International airport and the road to it is unaffected and operating normally. The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland is not impacted by the eruptions."
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